Best Disscussion Podcasts (2026)

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Zoe Apostolides, author of 'The Homecoming' - Horror writer disscusses getting the atmosphere right, traditional tropes, and chats with her Grandmother 54:26

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1h ago54:26

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Zoe Apostolides is a journalist and columnist, writing for The Guardian, The Telegraph and the Financial Times. Her new novel is 'The Homecoming', born out of conversations with her Grandmother. When she transcribed these, she thought... could I spin a sinister story out of this? It follows Ellen, a young ghost-writer, who is sent from London all t…

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Adam Skolnick, author of 'American Tiger' - Podcaster and novelist discusses creative burnout, ghostwriting, and different drafts for different characters 51:16

14d ago51:16

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Adam Skolnick earned his writing chops as a travel and adventure sports journalist for the New York Times, ESPN, the BBC and Lonely Planet. It taught him the vital skills of getting the words out immediately, and writing fast. He was the ghostwriter for David Goggins' memoirs 'Can't Hurt Me' and 'Never Finished'. Also published 'One Breath', about …

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Catherine Mayer, author of 'Time/ Life' - Prolific writer discusses eclectic interests, inspirational poetry, and grief 1:01:43

14d ago1:01:43

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Catherine Mayer is a busy do-er. One of those prolific writers, political party founders, and music producers that fills every moment of the day with something. She's inspirational with it. Catherine was the Europe Editor for Time Magazine, which has taught her to work at all hours of the day on various time-zones. She's written memoirs, journalism…

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Lucinda Berry, author of 'This is a Safe Space' - USA Today bestseller discusses finding new audiences online, working on audio thrillers, and dealing with the tough days 45:40

1M ago45:40

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Lucinda Berry is a USA Today bestselling author, who has published 9 incredibly successful novels, which have been optioned for films, and translated into several languages. She worked as a psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma - much of that has inspired her thrillers. Readers are huge fans of 'The Perfect Child', also the heart-…

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Caroline Corcoran, author of 'Tiny Daggers' - Psychological Thriller writer discusses embracing the genre, learning to structure, and changing the mindset 49:03

1M ago49:03

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Caroline Corcoran is a thriller author who burst to success with her debut, 'Through the Wall' in 2019. She's been a Sunday Times bestseller ever since, translated into many languages across the world, and compared to Adele Parks and Liane Moriarty. Caroline followed it up with 'The Baby Group', 'Five Days Missing', 'What Happened on Floor 34', and…

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Patrick Syms, author of 'Am I The Asshole?' - Debut author discusses self-promotion, white label releases, and making a point with your prose 1:03:22

2M ago1:03:22

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Patrick Syms started work trying to be a screenwriter, and he got ever so close, before life got in the way. He took a job in advertising, which became a 25 year long career in communications. In 2020, he gave it up to write again. This time, he took it seriously. Being accepted in to the Curtis Brown 'Writing Your Novel' course, he's just finished…

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Tom Cox, author of 'Everything Will Swallow You' - Uniquely creative award-winner discusses making your own genre, insisting on clarity, and inspirational walks 54:18

2M ago54:18

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Tom Cox has had a long and varied writing career. Over the last 25 years he has been The Guardian's youngest ever music critic, a record dealer, a golf and nature memoirist, and a unique creative writer. He's said to have 'one of the most fabulous and anarchic imaginations in literature'. Tom finds finds magic in the everyday, from country rambling…

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Hazel Barkworth, author of 'The Drownings' - Writer of dark, suspense discusses taking it seriously, going back to school, and a working balance 57:31

2M ago57:31

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Hazel Barkworth is creative consultant, who graduated from Oxford with an English Degree, and when she decided she'd try and write fiction... she went back to school. She enrolled in the Curtis Brown Creative Novel Writing Course, and published her debut, 'Heatstroke', to rave reviews in The Guardian and the Evening Standard. Hazel's newest novel i…

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A. L Brody/ Jason Pinter, author of 'Dating and Dismemberment' - Monster rom-com award-nominee discusses paths to publication, getting the tone right, and improving the first draft 55:19

2M ago55:19

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A.L. Brody is the author of the novel, 'Dating and Dismemberment'. It's monster rom-com inspired by Star Wars and The Sopranos. A.L. Brody is also Jason Pinter, a multi-award nominated, bestselling writer. Jason has published thrillers, crime novels, YA books and stuff for younger kids. He's been nominated for the Thriller Award, the Barry Away, th…

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Antonia Hodgson, author of 'The Raven Scholar' - Fantasy writer discusses shifting the day, switching genre, and researching your own world 44:40

2M ago44:40

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Antonia Hodgson is a novelist, screenwriter, former publisher and now, fantasy author. She made her name writing historical crime. Her debut, 'The Devil in Marshalsea', won the CWA Historical Dagger Award in 2014 and was shortlisted for Theakston's Crime Novel of the Year, it was a Richand and Judy, and Waterstone's Book Club pick. All in all, a hu…

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Nicholas Binge, author of 'Extremity' - Speculative Fiction writer discusses whether the idea dictates the form, the tricky switch to being full-time, and his path to publication 59:48

3M ago59:48

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Nicholas Binge has lectured in creative writing, co-hosts the 'Binge Reading Book Club' podcast, and has just published his 4th book. It's called 'Extremity'. It follows up the success of 'Professor Everywhere', which won the Proverse Prize for Literature, 'Dissolution', and the bestselling, 'Ascension'. 'Extremity' is a time-travelling police proc…

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Kelly Mullen, author of 'This Is Not a Game' - Hollywood Producer and Writer discusses tricking yourself to write, reinventing the wheel, and getting characters to your end 48:48

3M ago48:48

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Kelly Mullen is a creative powerhouse who has just released her debut novel, 'This Is Not a Game'. Previously, Kelly has produced in Hollywood, working on the movie 'Trumbo', and the series 'Dads' for Apple TV+. She works as a marketing consultant, helping brands achieve their creative potential, and now she's trying to realise her own. She's been …

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Kate Kemp, author of 'The Grapevine' - Debut author discusses preparing for disappointment, trusting the process, and her winding path to publication 40:14

3M ago40:14

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This week we're joined by Kate Kemp, occupational therapist, psychotherapist and now, author. Her debut novel, 'The Grapevine', is out now. It started life as a manuscript called 'Warrah Place', which won the Stylist Prize for Feminist Fiction, and landed her a publishing deal. It's a gripping mystery set in 1970s Australia, about a murder in a clo…

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Sebastian Faulks, author of 'Birdsong' - Bestselling literary writer discusses editing help, being around at the right time, and thinking about each sentence 43:11

3M ago43:11

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This week we’re joined by the legendary Sebastian Faulks, the bestselling author of 'Birdsong', 'Charlotte Gray', and so many unforgettable novels. In this episode, he opens up about his writing routine, the stories behind his new memoir 'Fires Which Burned Brightly', and what it really takes to create fiction that sticks with readers. If you've ev…

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Kate McKean, author of 'Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and Creative Life' - Literary agent reveals how to get signed, how they help you get published, and first sentences 1:00:07

4M ago1:00:07

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Kate McKean is a literary agent who has built a diverse client list of New York Times Bestselling Authors, in genres from fantasy, TA, humour and horror. A few years ago, she started a newsletter with all the backstage secrets of agent life, and tips on how you can make it happen. Now she's got a book out, filled with even more help. It's called 'W…

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Lucy Roth, author of 'When Sally Killed Harry' - Feminist thriller author discusses arts council funding, going easy on yourself and what readers don't want to know 58:28

4M ago58:28

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Lucy Roth's new novel has one of the best names going. 'When Sally Killed Harry', is a feminist serial-killer thriller. When Sally discovers she's not the only one to have been jilted by dreamy con-man Harry, she takes matters into her own hands, and becomes his worst nightmare. It's Lucy's first thriller, but she has published novels and non-ficti…

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Cuss & Discuss: F@#k Conservative Recovery 1:13:26

4M ago1:13:26

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In the latest episode of Cuss & Discuss, host Auburn Wideman speaks with former SONG Co-Directors Wendy Moore-O'Neil and Aesha Rasheed, reflecting on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Wendy, a lifelong New Orleanian, contextualizes the conservative recovery efforts and the throughlines that connect to today’s political climate. Aesha, high…

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Alex North, author of 'The Man Made of Smoke' - Crime author discusses books actually becoming movies, making writing fun, and how the year looks 47:30

4M ago47:30

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Alex North seems to be one of those rare writers. It looks like his debut, 'The Whisper Man', will actually be made into a film. The novel was a Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller, and has been translated into 30 languages. The Movie will star Adam Scott, Robert de Niro, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Keaton. He's also published 'The Shadow …

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Hannah Beckerman, author of 'Three Mothers' - Domestic Noir author discusses trying to be a critic, making characters unique, and putting pressure on your own work 49:50

4M ago49:50

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This week, we're chatting to Hannah Beckerman. She's been dubbed the 'new Queen of Domestic Noir', and after the success of the bestselling, 'The Forgetting', has published her 5th novel, 'Three Mothers'. If you love Louise Candlish or Liane Moriarty, you'll enjoy how Hannah writes. Here's the blurb... When seventeen-year-old Isla Richardson is kil…

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Faith Hogan, author of 'The Women at Ocean's End' - Uplit author discusses discovering your voice, being a happy pantser and finding the right career 50:19

5M ago50:19

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This week, we're chatting to award-winning global bestseller, Faith Hogan. Faith has published many uplit/ women's fiction novels - the last one 'The Bookshop Ladies' won the An Post Irish Book Award for Best Popular Fiction Novel of the Year. Faith's writing journey has taken her from working in many different jobs, never quite sure if she will ad…

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John Niven, author of 'Kill Your Friends' - Global bestseller discusses feeling ready to write, switching to screenplays, and choosing projects 47:14

5M ago47:14

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This week, we're chatting to global bestseller John Niven. His breakthrough novel was the hit 'Kill Your Friends', a brutal takedown of his career in the 90's music industry. He went on to write the screenplay for the movie version too, starring Nicholas Hoult. John has published 10 novels, including 'The Second Coming', 'Straight White Male', and …

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Emma Cowell, author of 'Under the Lemon Tree' - Escapist fiction author discusses getting places right, finding joy in the tough times, and how acting affects your character 46:19

5M ago46:19

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Emma Cowell wrote her debut novel, 'One Last Letter from Greece', through the pandemic to come to terms with losing her mother. Since then, she's published more novels and been translated into 9 languages. They're inspired by Greece and its islands. We discuss how she gets the places right. Who does she speak to? How does she learn? Where does she …

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Claire Douglas, author of 'The New Neighbours' - Thriller writer discusses character USPs, the routine of the year, and knowing your brand 50:09

5M ago50:09

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Claire Douglas is a bestselling thriller author. Her work has been published across the world, sold many copies everywhere, and she's been a Richard and Judy Book Club Pick. She's just published her 11th novel in 10 years, 'The New Neighbours'. It's about Lena who overhears a conversation between her kind, retired neighbours... that must be a mista…

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Guy Jenkin, author of 'Murder Most Foul' - BAFTA winning writer discusses alluring research, finally writing a novel, and playing with the past 53:23

6M ago53:23

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Guy Jenkin is a multi Emmy and Bafta winning writer. Along with Andy Hamilton, he co-wrote the sitcoms 'Drop the Dead Donkey' and 'Outnumbered'. He also worked on the films 'What We Did On Our Holiday', and 'The Sleeping Dictionary'. His new novel is called 'Murder Most Foul', a witty and fast-paced Tudor detective novel that plays with fact and fi…

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Lucy Foley, author of 'The Midnight Feast' - Mystery bestseller reveals her quick first drafts, keeping in close contact with the story, and how her routine has changed 53:43

6M ago53:43

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Lucy Foley is a mystery behemoth. She's sold 5 million copies of her novels which have been translated in over 40 countries. All of them are currently being made for film and TV right now. Following the success of 'The Hunting Party', 'The Guest List', and 'The Paris Apartment', 'The Midnight Feast' is out now in paperback, and focuses on the openi…

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Frances Quinn, author of 'The Lost Passenger' - Historical Fiction author discusses advice from ABBA, what other markets want, and the privilege of an editor 54:39

6M ago54:39

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Frances Quinn is a journalist, copywriter and bestselling author. Her new novel, 'The Lost Passenger', tells the story of Elinor Coombes, who boards the Titanic trapped in an unhappy marriage to a controlling husband. When it starts to go down, she sees an opportunity to escape for a new life. Frances began writing after winning a place on the Curt…

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Mike Gayle, author of 'The One That Got Away' - Romance award-winner discusses starting loose, being pigeon-holed, and novellas 1:04:35

6M ago1:04:35

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Mike Gayle is a prolific author. He's published 20 novels, many of which land on the Sunday Times Bestseller List, and has been translated in over 30 countries. He was the first male writer, and writer of colour, to win the Romantic Novelist Association's Outstanding Achievement Award. He's back with a new novella called 'The One That Got Away'. It…

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Barnaby Martin, author of 'The Quiet' - Writer, composer and YouTuber discusses influences, why it's all in the edit, and being anxious to get things done 46:34

7M ago46:34

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Barnaby Martin is a busy man. He works as a teacher, runs a successful YouTube channel with over 10 million views, as a composer he's had pieces performed across the world, and now he's released his first novel, 'The Quiet. It tells the story of a dystopian world covered by the Soundfield. A domer which surrounds the Earth and changes everyone's li…

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Caitlin Davies, author of 'Private Inquiries: The Secret History of Female Sleuths' - Narrative Nonfiction author discusses remembering how tough novels are, one book inspiring the next, and strange writing ... 54:04

7M ago54:04

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Caitlin Davies has always wanted to be a writer. It took her a long time to admit it to herself, let alone voice it aloud. She started writing as a journalist, covering stories across Europe and Africa, and now, finally, is a published author. She writes widely, switching genres and styles, releasing 6 novels and 8 narrative nonfiction books along …

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Heidi Perks, author of 'Someone is Lying' - Thriller Bestseller discusses underwriting drafts, throwing words away and starting over again 51:22

7M ago51:22

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Heidi Perks is the bestselling author of 7 novels, 'Now You See Her', 'Come Back for Me', 'Three Perfect Liars', 'The Whispers', 'The Other Guest', 'The Next Girl', and her new one, 'Someone is Lying' It tells the story of Jess and her daughter, Issie. They have an unbreakable bond and for years it's just been the two of them. However, when a new b…

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Simon Scarrow, author of 'Eagles of the Empire' - Bestselling Historical Fiction author discusses the rules of genre, thorough research, and why you need to get on with it 30:09

7M ago30:09

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This week's guest is the phenomenally bestselling author, Simon Scarrow. He mainly writes historical fiction, best known for his 'Eagles of the Empire' series, and has written about Ancient Rome and Nazi Germany too. He's also published futuristic sci-fi, and began writing dystopian fiction and comedy, before realising he should write what he wants…

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Cuss & Discuss: 100 F#@king Days of Trump 1:22:20

7M ago1:22:20

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In our inaugural episode of Cuss & Discuss, host Auburn Wideman and guests, Diamond Stylz, Cultural Anthropologist and owner of Marsha’s Plate Media, Councilmember Andrea Jenkins, City of Minneapolis Councilmember, and Ashlei Blue, North Carolina State Director, cuss and discuss about Trump’s first 100 days. Each guest shares their unique perspecti…

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Chris Bridges, author of 'Sick to Death' - Thriller author discusses getting life experience, the crucial mid-point, steering clear of tropes 59:58

8M ago59:58

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Chris Bridges has worked as an NHS Nurse, a theatre reviewer, a columnist and now is a published author. It was his work as a nurse, coupled with his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, that gave him the inspiration and experience to get the novel done. The novel is 'Sick to Death', it tells the story of Emma who can't go to work because of a neurologica…

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M.G. Leonard, author of 'Hunt for the Golden Scarab' - British Book Award Winner discusses making your work stand out, an ideal working day, and living your research 56:49

8M ago56:49

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M.G. Leonard is the author of 16 children's books, which have won heaps of awards. She was awarded Sainsbury's Childen's Book of the Year, and the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year 2021. Meanwhile, as a child at school, she was told she'd never become a published author - that she simply wasn't smart enough. Before becoming a writer, …

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Hanna Thomas Uose, author of 'Who Wants to Live Forever' - Debut writer discusses getting specific with questions, going back to study, and the pressure of a good ending 53:39

8M ago53:39

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This week, we're taking a look inside the writing life of Hanna Thomas Uose, author of 'Who Whats to Live Forever'. Hanna won the Morley Prize for Unpublished Writers of Colour, was shortlisted for Orion and DHA's Space to Write project, selected for the Asian Women Writers Mentorship Programme, and went back to study for an MA in Prose Fiction. He…

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Robert Whitlow, author of 'Guilty Until Innocent' - Suspense Thriller author discusses keeping characters fresh, being relaxed about getting the words done, and why the secret is consistency 57:44

9M ago57:44

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This week, we're chatting to Robert Whitlow, prolific writer of over 20 bestselling novels. His new one is 'Guilty Until Innocent', a legal thriller that looks an an old case being reopened, and the two lawyers who have to prove the convicted's innocence against the odds. His debut novel, 'The List', was adapted into a successful movie starring Mal…

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Jennifer Saint, author of 'Hera' - Sunday Times Bestseller discusses writing what you know YOUR readers will love, teasing yourself into work, and the point of mythology 1:01:57

9M ago1:01:57

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Jennifer Saint worked as an English teacher in a secondary school for thirteen years, when all of a sudden, with an unexpected confidence, she felt the urge to write a novel. It wasn't just the confidence she could do it that surprised her, but the belief that it would do well. She was inspired by Greek mythology, and wanted to emphasise their rele…

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Paul S. Edwards, author of 'The Triton Run' - Sci-Fi writer discusses working anywhere, being inspired but not derivative, and finding the right path to publication 45:03

9M ago45:03

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Paul S. Edwards is a lawyer, a family man with two children, and has just published his first sci-fi novel, 'The Triton Run'. He found time to write it... anywhere. If he was early at a football game, he'd get words down. If he was at a gig with a few minutes to spare, he'd write. On the sofa with his family watching TV, he will get down it it. His…

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Julia Raeside, author of 'Don't Make Me Laugh' - Journalist discusses writing angry, tricking yourself to work, and telling another's story 56:22

9M ago56:22

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Julia Raeside is a journalist and broadcaster, who has written for The Times, The Guardian, The Big Issue and many others, and appeared across the BBC. Her new novel is 'Don't Make Me Laugh', which looks at the culture within the world of comedy... an industry which is rapidly approaching a #MeToo moment. It tells the story of Ali Lauder, a radio p…

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Rosaria Giorgi, author of 'The Less Unkind' - Thriller writer discusses working with The Umbrella Assassin, plotting non-linearly, and writing what you know 52:59

10M ago52:59

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This week, we chat to Rosaria Girorgi, a mystery writer whose life has been as busy as one of her plots. Whilst studying in Denmark, she got a job working for who she thought was an antique dealer. He turned out to be 'The Umbrella Assassin', a cold war legend, who assassinated the Bulgarian dissident journalist Georgi Markov, with a poison pellet …

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James Alistair Henry, author of 'Pagans' - 'Green Wing' writer discusses learning from sitcoms, the joy of finishing, and a slow pace of life 51:59

10M ago51:59

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James Alistair Henry has had a hand in writing some seismic shows across T.V. He is a BAFTA award winning writer for the comedy, 'Green Wing', worked on the sketch show, 'Smack the Pony', and his diverse career has seen him write for 'Bob the Builder', 'Hey Duggee', and 'Shaun the Sheep'. He's just published his debut novel, 'Pagans', which has alr…

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Maz Evans, author of 'That'll Teach Her' - Crime and Children's Bestseller discusses why everything comes from character, celebrity authors, and the only rule she has 1:03:23

10M ago1:03:23

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This week, we're chatting to Maz Evans, a celebrated Children's author who has taken the plunge into Adult fiction, publishing her second cosy crime book. Maz is a Carnegie Award and CWA Golden Dagger Shortlisted writer. 'Who Let the Gods Out', 'Vi Spy', and her 'Scarlett Fife' series are loved by kids across the world. Her new adult novel is 'That…

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Imran Mahmood, author of 'Finding Sophie' - Crime writing lawyer discusses our changing attention span, pursuading a jury, and getting the words down 52:14

10M ago52:14

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Imran Mahmood has 30 years experience as a criminal defence lawyer, working on all manner of high-profile cases. He's taken that knowledge and forged a successful 2nd career as a crime writer. His debut, 'You Don't Know Me', was presented as a closing argument to a jury. It was long-listed for the Theakston Crime Novel of the year, the CWA Gold Dag…

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Nick Newman, author of 'The Garden' - Award-nominated writer discusses changing audiences, feeling guilty, and balancing plot and prose 1:08:00

11M ago1:08:00

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Nick Newman is an award-nominated author, who as Nicholas Bowling has published 4 genre-defying books for children. Now, he's written his debut adult novel, called 'The Garden'. It's an other-worldly retelling of 'The Secret Garden', inspired by Cormac McCarthy. It tells the story of Lily, Evelyn and a nameless boy who wanders into their vast and f…

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A.F. Steadman, author of the 'Skandar ' series - Bestselling children's author discusses why experience makes things tough, a frantic five years, and trying to find your voices 43:37

11M ago43:37

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This week we chat to A.F Steadman, the bestselling author behind the phenomenal 'Skandar series'. The fantasy saga has taken the literary world by storm, was reported to have sold for a seven-figure deal, and was believed to be the biggest advance ever given to a debut childrens author. The series is praised as the biggest children's fantasy since …

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Laurie L. Dove, author of 'Mask of the Deer Woman' - Mystery Thriller writer discusses keeping busy, magical realism, and sneaking up on the story. 47:24

11M ago47:24

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Laurie Dove is a do-er. She likes to keep busy. Alongside writing for numerous places like CNN, Animal Planet, the LA Business Journal, and many more, Laurie was elected local Mayor back in 2015, has a Masters Degree from Harvard, and has just published 'Mask of the Deer Woman'. It tells the story of Carrie Starr. Once a detective in Chicago, Carri…

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Peyton Corinne, author of 'Unloved' - Romance author discusses becoming a BookTok bestseller, marketing yourself, and happy endings 1:02:32

11M ago1:02:32

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Peyton Corinne is a love story enthusiast. As a teenager, she would write fan-fiction about her favourite series, then she self-published her own writing whilst working as a teacher, because she hit it big on TikTok. The episode is a full break-down on why if you market yourself smartly and keep up with social trends, your book will find an audienc…

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Eowyn Ivey, author of 'Black Woods, Blue Sky' - Pulitzer Prize finalist discusses magical realism, why success isn't relevant, and being tempted to write again 48:54

11M ago48:54

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This week we chat with Eowyn Ivey, the acclaimed author of The Snow Child and To the Bright Edge of the World, ahead of her new novel Black Woods, Blue Sky. We explore the inspiration behind her vivid Alaskan settings, her journey from bookseller to bestselling novelist, and the themes of resilience and wonder that thread through her work. Black Wo…

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Stephen Spotswood, author of 'Dead in the Frame' - New York Times award winner reveals what he learned from writing plays, solving mysteries like a reader, and physical fitness helping mental creativity ... 57:52

12M ago57:52

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This week, we're chatting to Stephen Spotswood. Stephen is an acclaimed author and playwright celebrated for his mastery of mystery and suspense. Best known for his 'Pentecost and Parker' series, Spotswood reimagines the noir genre with sharp wit, dynamic characters, and intricate storytelling. He's a Nero Award Winner, a New Blood Dagger Award fin…

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Grady Hendrix, author of 'Witchcraft for Wayward Girls' - Horror writer discusses what readers actually want, making every word count, and why questions make horror scary 1:08:13

12M ago1:08:13

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On this week's episode of 'Writer's Routine', the show that takes a look inside an author's working day, we're chatting to horror writer, Grady Hendrix. Grady is the bestselling author of "The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires", "Horrorstör", and "My Best Friend’s Exorcism". He blends horror and humour with incredibly inventive plots a…